ANCHORAGE —The Friends of Campbell Creek Science Center in Anchorage, Alaska, received the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) national 2010 “Public Lands Partnership Excellence” award on February 1, 2010. The biannual award recognizes a group that has demonstrated exceptional support for BLM’s interpretive, educational, and/or public outreach programs.

Established in 2005, the Friends group has supported the BLM-Alaska’s Campbell Creek Science Center (CCSC) by partnering with 100 local businesses, organizations and citizens; raising $150,000, and $56,000 of in-kind donations from area businesses. Scholarships gave 5,000 disadvantaged Anchorage area school children opportunity to attend outdoor education activities at CCSC. Funds raised also provided craft supplies for class learning activities, refreshments at public evening lecture series, morning bird walks, and major annual special events such as Winter Trails Day, Outdoor Week, National Trails Day, and National Public Lands Day. Looking to assure support into the future, the Friends created a $30,000 endowment for the CCSC. In addition, the Friends of Campbell Creek Science Center is a part of the “Pick, Click, and Give” Permanent Fund Dividend campaign.

To promote CCSC visitation, the Friends group developed products such as newsletters, print ads, radio spots, and other materials. Visitation rose from 38,000 in 2005 to 57,000 in 2009. They also have a website (www.friendsofcampbellcreek.org).

The Friends organization works to ensure the broadest range of Alaskans have the opportunity to benefit from the Campbell Creek Science Center. The Friends group believes it is critical for Alaskans to maintain knowledge of and a connection with the environment if they are to use natural resources wisely.

The BLM manages 253 million acres – more land than any other federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including 75 million acres in Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.